"Comparing the effectiveness, acceptability and oral hygiene status between vacuum formed retainer and Begg's retainer": a pilot study.

Background: Recently, Vacuum formed retainers (VFRs) are preferred as an Orthodontic retention appliance over conventional Begg's retainers. Very few studies have been conducted between VFRs and Begg's retainers. Hence, this study aims at assessing the effectiveness, oral hygiene and acceptability between VFRs and Begg's retainers with a follow up period of 1 year.

The role and efficacy of herbal antimicrobial agents in orthodontic treatment.

Aims: To assess the effect of herbal antimicrobial agents on Streptococcus mutans count in biofilm formations during orthodontic treatment.

Materials And Methods: We calculated the growth inhibition of oral bacteria in the orthodontic appliances after herbal antibacterial agents were placed in culture media. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of these agents on Streptococcus mutans growth were determined.